Behind the Menu | Kolache Republic might open second area outlet

Wednesday

Jun 8, 2016 at 12:01 AMJun 9, 2016 at 9:00 AM

The owners of Kolache Republic are seeking a higher profile. After three years in business, they have built a loyal customer base in their Brewery District neighborhood. But getting noticed across the region has proved somewhat of a challenge.

The owners of Kolache Republic are seeking a higher profile.

After three years in business, they have built a loyal customer base in their Brewery District neighborhood. But getting noticed across the region has proved somewhat of a challenge.

“Actually, it’s been a little bit of a learning curve for the Columbus customer base,” said Dusty Kotchou, who founded Kolache Republic with Rick Jardiolin and Doug Sauer. “It’s not like Texas, where everyone knows what a kolache is.”

A short recap: a kolache is a type of central European pastry containing fresh fruit or savory items. At Kolache Republic, they come in various shapes and sizes.

And they might be coming to a neighborhood near you. The trio of investors has been kicking around the idea of expansion, either through a second bricks-and-mortar location or partnering with bars that don’t offer food.

But first things first: new signage and a sprucing of the interior are expected later this month.

Kotchou said Kolache makes its dough on premises, tries to use the freshest produce available and often culls products from central Ohio businesses, such as Thurn’s Specialty Meats, OH! Chips and Brioso Coffee.

Many customers start their days with a form of the breakfast kolache. One of the standards contains scrambled eggs, sausage and cheese ($3.95). A vegetarian version — with hash browns, eggs and cheese — has been added. Saturday specials include two pastries for carnivores: chorizo and bacon breakfast kolaches ($3.95 each).

On the rarest occasion, a kolache stuffed with egg, chorizo, sausage, bacon, jalapeno and cheese ($5.95) is also featured on Saturdays.